Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Chocolate Strawberry Cake – The Perfect Blend of Rich & Fruity Flavors
Introduction
Nothing beats the combination of chocolate and strawberries when it comes to desserts. The deep, indulgent taste of chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries. This chocolate strawberry cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers, featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a luscious strawberry filling, and a silky smooth chocolate ganache. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, this cake is sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry Cake
- Rich and Moist Chocolate Cake – The perfect balance of fluffiness and decadence.
- Fresh Strawberry Filling – A naturally sweet layer that enhances the cake’s flavor.
- Decadent Chocolate Ganache – A glossy, luxurious topping that ties everything together.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this cake steals the show.
Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Cake Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¾ cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Hot coffee (or boiling water) | 1 cup |
Strawberry Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Chocolate Ganache Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Step 1 – Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Stir in hot coffee (the batter will be thin, but that’s normal).
- Pour batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 2 – Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Once the mixture softens, mash the strawberries slightly.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.
- Let the filling cool before spreading on the cake.
Step 3 – Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until steaming (don’t boil).
- Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then add butter for extra shine.
Step 4 – Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread an even layer of strawberry filling on top.
- Add the second cake layer and pour chocolate ganache over the top.
- Let ganache set slightly, then garnish with fresh strawberries.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Strawberry Cake
✔ Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the cake tender.
✔ Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor (don’t worry, it won’t taste like coffee!).
✔ Chill the strawberry filling before spreading to prevent it from seeping.
✔ For a richer ganache, use high-quality chocolate.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
- Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
Vegan Chocolate Strawberry Cake
- Use almond milk instead of dairy milk.
- Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Use dairy-free chocolate for ganache.
Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes
- Follow the same recipe but bake in a muffin tin for 18-20 minutes.
How to Store & Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- With whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast in flavors.
- Drizzle extra ganache for a more decadent experience.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
FAQs About Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before making the filling.
Why is my chocolate cake dry?
Dry cake happens if you overbake it. Stick to 30-35 minutes and check with a toothpick.
How do I make the cake layers extra moist?
Use sour cream or yogurt in the batter for a softer crumb.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped. Assemble the next day.
How do I prevent the ganache from running off the cake?
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before pouring so it thickens slightly.
Conclusion
A Chocolate Strawberry Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and fruit lovers alike. With its rich, moist layers, fresh strawberry filling, and smooth chocolate ganache, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe for your next celebration and wow your guests with a stunning homemade cake! Let us know in the comments how it turned out!
